Do you think Americans are discouraged to think for themselves?

Question

ps I am an American thinking about Americans.

Answer 1

Yes because the media bombards at every turn. You turn on the tv and what do they tell you "you need this and this and this...", you look at posters and they tell you the same thing. Everywhere you look there's advertising/propaganda telling you what's good for you and what you need to make your life and yourself better.
A small number of people decide what the rest of the people need and. The status quo follow this and what does the invidual do? Well follow of course because no one wants to be different, to be the odd one out.
So yes, individual thinking is discouraged and suppressed and "they" whoever "they" may be decide what is best for everyone else and if you want to fit in, you better do/believe what "they" say.

Answer 2

Yes. People rely too much on sound bites for their news. So many times the TV news will say something about a political figure, and I go back to read what the person actually said, and realize that I don't agree with the TV at all. People don't have enough healthy skepticism for the news content they get. I always laugh at people who say that the news is liberal, when all they watch is FOX

Answer 3

Why yes they are. They are constantly discouraged by the liberal media and the liberal democrats.

Those of us who think for ourselves however are pointing out the flaws in liberal thinking and making progress. So be patient. The American Value and Virtue of the past will return with a vengence.

Answer 4

America is governed by a small rich minority, So probably yes. This minority wants to keep things as they are.

Answer 5

I think many have forgotten how to think for themselves, but I think they need to relearn how to do it fast. This country needs all of its wits about it to fix this mess we're in.

Answer 6

I think nonAmericans think about Americans a lot.
And it makes you all look so incredibly pathetic.

Answer 7

They certainly aren't encouraged. Sad to say, we are programmed to be good little consumers by our so called government. They have gotten so good at what they do that no one holds them accountable for anything anymore. Not to worry though, it will all be over December 12, 2012. Google it.

Answer 8

Yes, in schools and in politics both.

Answer 9

not at all. perhaps European culture is more encouraged, but the US is still way more encouraged to make their own choices ect. than all the other countries, whose law and religion can be heavily dictated.

Answer 10

Probably